regal pipe

The regal is a small, portable pipe organ, typically featuring a single set of reed pipes. These reeds produce a distinctive nasal, buzzing tone. Wind is supplied by bellows, operated by the player or an assistant. Some 16th-century models, known as "bible regals," could be folded into the shape of a book for easy transport.

Regals were popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, used both as solo instruments and in ensembles. They were even specified by composers like Claudio Monteverdi. While their tuning could be unstable, regal pipes were sometimes incorporated into larger organs, often playing solo lines. The "vox humana" stop is considered part of the regal family. Modern regals are still made for early music ensembles, though often with electric blowers instead of hand bellows.1